The devastating Venezuela earthquake left its mark on the bodybuilding community as well, since a 19-year-old female bodybuilder named Fiorella Martinez passed away from the collapse of her apartment building.

A report from Manchester Evening News revealed that Martinez was in her home with her mother, Carmen, and younger sister Miranda when the calamity struck. Unfortunately, none of them survived the disaster and were found buried under the rubble following the quake.

The Venezuelan Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (FVFC)confirmed Martinez's passing, issuing a statement to pay tribute to the young athlete, as published by Manchester Evening News.

"In the name of athletes, coaches, judges and the Board, we express our deepest sorrow at the passing of the athlete from La Guaira, Fiorella Martínez, South American runner-up in Women’s Artistic Fitness. We pray for her eternal rest, we pray for the thousands of Venezuelans suffering this tragedy. Rest in peace, Fiori."

Even more tragically, as per the Manchester Evening News, the disaster also took away the life of her boyfriend, Fedor Prieto Olivares, who was declared dead just hours later.

According to CNBC, the earthquake that struck the country at around 6:04 p.m. on 24 June claimed the lives of nearly 2600 people, although the toll is expected to rise as rescue work is still on the way.

Following Martinez's passing, her coach, Joel Aristiguieta, also gave out a heartfelt message, saying, "You will always be my athlete." Martinez had earned multiple accolades at prestigious stages.

Fiorella Martinez's achievements

Martinez's passing triggered shockwaves in the bodybuilding community, with multiple fans expressing their grief in the comment sections of the various social media posts about her passing. Her prowess in the field implied how big a loss it was for the community.

Martinez's Instagram bio reveals that she was an IFBB Women's Bikini Jr. contestant. The late 19-year-old bodybuilder was adjudged the runner-up in her category at the 2025 South American Championship in Quito, Ecuador. It also says that Martinez was the "Campeona Nacional" meaning the National Champion in her category.

Martinez is far from being the only noticeable talent who lost their lives in the dual tremors of magnitude 7.5 and 7.2 that hit the country on June 24. Venezuelan soccer player Lucas Trejo also lost his life in the disaster, along with his family, consisting of his wife and two kids.

Our condolences go out to everyone who lost a loved one in the devastating disaster. We pray for their strength in such a difficult time.

Written by

Souvik Roy

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi